Old City to Deck the Halls as Historic Holidays Returns with a Bustling Holiday Season
The historic neighborhood of Old City is gearing up for its most festive celebration yet – the return of Historic Holidays. Spanning multiple weekends, this year's festivities promise an immersive holiday experience that highlights local shops, historic charm, and a plethora of seasonal events.
On Small Business Saturday, November 29, more than 300 independently owned businesses across the neighborhood will roll out special promotions and deals to kick off the holiday shopping season in America's most historic square mile. The event marks the official start of Old City's festive celebrations.
As the holiday season heats up, signature events are on the agenda. One highlight is the Historic Holidays Tree Lighting ceremony at the Betsy Ross House, scheduled for December 3 from 6 to 6:30 pm. This iconic courtyard ceremony will feature live music, guest speakers, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
The following weekend, Old City's popular Holiday Shopping Sip & Stroll returns on Saturday, December 6, from noon to 4 pm. Third Street will be closed to traffic, transforming into an open-street experience with seasonal drinks, entertainment, and exclusive deals at nearly 30 businesses. The event promises to be a treat for the senses, with colonial chocolate-making at the Betsy Ross House, pet portraits at Opportunity Barks, festive cocktails at Khyber Pass Pub and Fringe Bar, and photos with Santa at The Gas Lamp Hotel.
Later in the season, Christ Church Holiday Market and Elfreth's Alley home tours will take center stage. These events showcase the neighborhood's rich history and cultural diversity while offering a unique holiday shopping experience.
The season concludes on December 14 with a Community Menorah Lighting ceremony also held at the Betsy Ross House, in partnership with the Old City Jewish Arts Center. This poignant event marks an important part of Old City's festive calendar.
In short, Historic Holidays is set to be the most enchanting holiday celebration yet in America's most historic square mile. Mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in a season of cheer and merriment.
The historic neighborhood of Old City is gearing up for its most festive celebration yet – the return of Historic Holidays. Spanning multiple weekends, this year's festivities promise an immersive holiday experience that highlights local shops, historic charm, and a plethora of seasonal events.
On Small Business Saturday, November 29, more than 300 independently owned businesses across the neighborhood will roll out special promotions and deals to kick off the holiday shopping season in America's most historic square mile. The event marks the official start of Old City's festive celebrations.
As the holiday season heats up, signature events are on the agenda. One highlight is the Historic Holidays Tree Lighting ceremony at the Betsy Ross House, scheduled for December 3 from 6 to 6:30 pm. This iconic courtyard ceremony will feature live music, guest speakers, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
The following weekend, Old City's popular Holiday Shopping Sip & Stroll returns on Saturday, December 6, from noon to 4 pm. Third Street will be closed to traffic, transforming into an open-street experience with seasonal drinks, entertainment, and exclusive deals at nearly 30 businesses. The event promises to be a treat for the senses, with colonial chocolate-making at the Betsy Ross House, pet portraits at Opportunity Barks, festive cocktails at Khyber Pass Pub and Fringe Bar, and photos with Santa at The Gas Lamp Hotel.
Later in the season, Christ Church Holiday Market and Elfreth's Alley home tours will take center stage. These events showcase the neighborhood's rich history and cultural diversity while offering a unique holiday shopping experience.
The season concludes on December 14 with a Community Menorah Lighting ceremony also held at the Betsy Ross House, in partnership with the Old City Jewish Arts Center. This poignant event marks an important part of Old City's festive calendar.
In short, Historic Holidays is set to be the most enchanting holiday celebration yet in America's most historic square mile. Mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in a season of cheer and merriment.
. and can we talk about the holiday shopping sip & stroll on third street? that sounds like the ultimate winter wonderland experience 
. i'm def marking my calendar for december 6!
I'm so down for this! I've been hearing rumors that some of the smaller shops are going to have some amazing deals, like free cookie tastings and exclusive discounts on handmade crafts. I'm also super stoked about the Holiday Shopping Sip & Stroll – 30 businesses? That's like a whole day of shopping and drinking and being merry 
. Anyone have any insider info on how popular these events are gonna be?
i mean who doesn't love browsing through independent shops and sipping on festive cocktails? the tree lighting ceremony at the betsy ross house is also pretty cool, live music and santa claus, what more could you want? 
it's awesome that they're highlighting local businesses and promoting a sense of community, i'm definitely down to check out some of those shops and events. maybe they'll even have some colonial chocolate treats 
this year's Historic Holidays in Old City is gonna be EPIC!!! 
! And can we talk about the Holiday Shopping Sip & Stroll? Third Street closed to traffic? Sounds like a total winter wonderland scene 
. The Christmas market and Elfreth's Alley home tours are also on my bucket list 
. And the Community Menorah Lighting ceremony? So beautiful and meaningful 
️ and can we talk about how lit elfreth's alley home tours are going to be?! 
also that community menorah lighting event on dec 14 is giving me all the feels 
i'm def markin' my calendar for these epic events 
The Old City is really pulling out all the stops this year with their Historic Holidays event, featuring live music, special deals, and...Santa Claus! Because what's a holiday season without the big guy in red, right? 
Anyway, if you're into that sort of thing, it sounds like there's something for everyone...or at least 300 independently owned businesses with a lot to offer 
And a tree lighting ceremony at the Betsy Ross House? Like, who needs all that extra stuff when the actual history of the place is being ignored? Also, Elfreth's Alley home tours are gonna be super crowded and expensive... can't wait to see the tourists trying to squeeze through those narrow streets 
And what's up with the Community Menorah Lighting ceremony on the last day of the season? Like, why would you do that right when everyone's trying to leave? 
I mean, just because it's an old city with historic buildings doesn't necessarily make it the best place to spend the holiday season. And what's up with the need for so many events and activities? Can't people just enjoy the holidays at their own pace without having to fit in all these crowds and lines? 
Anyway, I guess it's not for me, but hey, if you're into that sorta thing, go ahead and deck the halls! 
. I'm also loving how they're highlighting all those independently owned businesses - supporting local is literally the best way to spend the holidays 
. plus, the tree lighting ceremony at Betsy Ross House is gonna be EVERYTHING 
. but seriously, have they thought about how overcrowded the Betsy Ross House is gonna get? like, we all love Santa Claus as much as the next person, but don't they need to space out those guests or something? 
and what's up with having three major events on the same weekend? it's just gonna be one big mess... anyway, if you're into that sorta thing, go ahead and mark your calendars 
.
️. The holiday shopping sip & stroll looks like so much fun too - can't wait to explore Third Street and check out all the seasonal drinks and treats 
. This is gonna be the best Historic Holidays yet!
Still, I guess it's cool that they're including some cool events and activities... like who doesn't love colonial chocolate-making or pet portraits? 
The only thing that's got me concerned is how crowded it'll be – I mean, 300+ businesses on Small Business Saturday sounds like a recipe for chaos! 
. But hey, I guess if you're into that sorta thing, go ahead and check it out!